Attempted Child Abduction Near School Investigated

Fourth-grader was walking home from Wolftrap Elementary School when approached by man.

Fairfax County police are investigating the reported attempted abduction of a 10-year old Wolftrap Elementary School boy near the school on Friday, June 1.

The boy told police he had missed the bus after school and was walking home when a man approached him about 3:30 p.m. at the intersection of Abbotsford Drive and Saint Roman Drive. After a brief encounter, the boy ran down Abbotsford Drive to a friend’s house to report the incident.

The parents of the fourth-grader reported the incident to police around 5 p.m. The boy was not injured.

According to Officer Camille Neville, Fairfax County Police spokesperson, Fairfax County detectives are canvassing homes in the vicinity of the school, seeking potential witnesses.

Police have identified a person of interest and are trying to locate him, she said.

"Everyone in the area is well-aware of the incident," said Neville. "We have been in constant communication with school personnel since Friday. Luckily, the child did everything right by running away to a friend’s house and reporting the incident."

There was an increased police presence in the Wolftrap Elementary School area and surrounding neighborhoods when school let out on Monday, said Neville.

The "tight-knit" community around Wolftrap school took advantage of the immediacy of the internet, e-mailing one another with the news over the weekend.

"I’m taking extra precautions, not letting the kids out alone out front," said Jennifer Ford, mother of a kindergartner. "I think we’re all a little more vigilant."

On Tuesday morning, as parents accompanied their children to the school, a police vehicle was spotted patrolling the side streets.

Wolftrap Principal Dr. Anita Blain sent letters home with students on Monday detailing the incident. Blain e-mailed parents, as well.

Noting that the child who reported the incident had missed the bus, Betsi Ericksen, mother of two Wolftrap students, said she reviewed with her children safety measures in situations where the children have to make their own decisions.

"I did not sense any panic among the parents I spoke with," said Ericksen. "It has been a very level-headed approach to the incident. We have concern for the family for whatever may have happened."

Fairfax County police are not aware of any other incidents of this type in the Vienna area.

The suspect was described as white, in his late 20s, with brown hair and an unshaven face. He was about 6 feet 2 inches, tall, weighing about 230 pounds, and wearing a black shirt with holes in it and khaki cargo shorts.

Police are asking the public’s assistance with any information regarding the reported incident, particularly anyone passing through the intersection of Abbotsford Drive and Saint Roman Drive between 3 and 4:30 p.m. Friday.

Anyone with information is asked to call Fairfax County police at 703-691-2131 or Fairfax County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).